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Exercise During Holiday Season May Alleviate Depression, Improve Health

November 20, 2012|Counseling & Psychotherapy

Information from the recent US Psychiatric and Mental Health Congress indicates that exercise is becoming an important tool for treating some psychiatric difficulties, especially depression. Research suggests that in some cases exercise can be as effective as medications for treating depression and for preventing relapse. Many psychologists and health psychologists are incorporating exercise and other health and lifestyle changes into depression treatment plans for clients, which can be a very effective treatment approach.

Excerpt from recent article:

The benefits of exercise in nearly every aspect of physical health are well known, but evidence in recent years suggests a unique effect on some psychiatric disorders, prompting mental health clinicians to rethink treatment strategies and to consider the possibility of exercise not just in therapy but as therapy.

“Above and beyond the standard benefits of exercise in healthy living and general well-being, there is strong evidence demonstrating the ability of exercise to in fact treat mental illness and have significant benefits on a neurotrophic, neurobiologic basis,” Douglas Noordsy, MD, told delegates attending Psych Congress 2012: US Psychiatric and Mental Health Congress.